Page 91 of Second Chances

“Is it the same as yesterday?” Henry confirmed with a nod. “Then hell, yes!” He sat down at the kitchen table. “It’s a lot to take in, and I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.”

“Overwhelmed, mostly. But I just want to move forward and get to know my daughter. I’ve spent too many years in pain already.” Sighing, he handed his brother his drink. “Anyway, Charlotte and I…I guess you could say we had an argument? Disagreement? And, yes, it kind of had to do with Melanie, but also DD.”

“What happened?”

“Charlotte defended Melanie, said she could see things from her perspective, especially how she must have felt when DD moved back after Nathaniel died.”

“DD is another one who’s always causing drama. Even Nora’s had it with her. Told her to get her shit together. Seems like she’s still drinking too much, all worked up over Burnside. Then, the wedding stuff gave her anxiety or whatever. Whatever Nora said must have worked, because DD apologized to Charlotte last night…sounds like she took responsibility for the crap she’s been pulling.” Using a towel to retrieve the casserole from the microwave, George blew on the food twice before shoveling steaming bites into his mouth.

“I don’t know how to fix things with Charlotte. She hasn’t answered my text. I don’t know whether to give her space or time, or what.” Henry slumped into a chair. “I’m not good at this, I guess. Not like you.”

“Comparing our love lives is a moot point, Henry. It’s apples and oranges. Hell, I was still wet behind the ears when Nora and I started dating. All of seventeen, she was fifteen. Young idiots who convinced themselves that they had found true love as teenagers.”

“And you did, clearly! Meanwhile, I barely even dated.”

George whistled. “Nora and I didn’t have it easy, you know.” Henry shot his brother a shocked look. “You don’t know how many times Nora threatened to leave me before we were married. I was partying, hanging out with people I had no business being around. We were a mess. Then, when I proposed, she turned me down at first. Told me to get my shit together, or we were done.”

How had Henry been so blind? The two of them had worked side by side in the shop in Clover Lake for years. “I’m sorry, George. I didn’t know.”

“Right, because you were dealing with your stuff with Melanie. I hope you never think that you didn’t try with her, or that you failed in your marriage. You worked your ass off to give her the world, but she was never going to be satisfied. Charlotte is not Melanie, if that’s what you’re afraid of. What you two have is electric, but real. Not like the fantasy you had when you were a teenager with DD, either. Sorry to bring that up if it stings, but you need to decide if you want to build something with Charlotte.”

“I do.” More than anything, Henry thought.

“Then go to her, don’t wait. She’ll tell you if she needs you to wait for her. Then, you do whatever you have to do.” His brother’s phone rang. “Well, that’s the love of my life. I’d better go before she figures out I’ve been hiding from her.” George gave him a one-armed hug. “Love you, brother.”

After a quick shower, Henry dressed in fresh clothes, which included the jeans from their first date and a navy blue shirt Charlotte said made his eyes look like the sea. He shoved on a ball cap, then let the front door slam behind him. He sprinted out to his car and drove to Charlotte’s house; once he got there, he deflated when he recognized Amy’s car in her driveway. Damn, he’d forgotten she was coming for a few days. He couldn’t go there now, not when Charlotte’s best friend was probably reaffirming what an idiot he’d been this morning. That’s okay, he told himself. He’d go to the wedding brunch and then come back to her place. Aside from his sister, Amy was their biggest cheerleader; hopefully, by the afternoon, she would be again.

At the brunch, the first person he encountered was his mother, who embraced him with a kiss on the cheek. “Good morning, my sweet son.” His mother’s gray eyes shimmered. “I met my new granddaughter. She’s beautiful, Henry, but I’m not surprised since she is yours.” His mom frowned. “Also not surprised that her mother did what she did. That woman was always troubled⁠—”

“Now, Catherine, give our son a break. Let Henry and Josh decide how to move forward. We don’t need any ill will here today.” William softened his words with a tender kiss on his wife’s cheek.

She huffed, “You’re right, William. I’ll just focus on having another granddaughter. I’m sure Cait is thrilled not being the only girl anymore.”

“Who, me?” Cait hugged her grandparents. “Yes, Sophie can take some of the pressure off. Help keep the remaining single cousins in line.”

Felix popped up behind his grandma. “Sorry, I forgot to get engaged last night. Not all of us can take over someone else’s wedding like your brother, Caity. Oh, did you guys meet Monty?” Felix flagged a burly man from across the room. “He’s Lana’s brother, from New York.”

A few inches shorter than Felix and stockier, Monty had closely cut black hair, dark blue eyes, and a wide smile. He stuck out a large hand in greeting. “Hi, I’m Montgomery,” he introduced himself first to Catherine and made his way around until he got to Cait, whose smile didn’t quite meet her eyes.

“We’ve had the pleasure.” Cait turned and walked away.

“Don’t mind her; she’s naturally happy.” Felix’s quip made everyone chuckle. “I’ve been talking to Montgomery about my new project on Rosebud.”

“Oh? Are you an architect, too, Montgomery?” William asked.

“No, but I’ve worked in construction most of my adult life.”

Catherine drew Henry aside. “I’m sorry to hear Charlotte isn’t coming.”

“Me too, Mom.” Even though this was his family, nothing felt right without her by his side, and he glanced at his phone, checking to see if she’d responded. Nothing but a further drained battery.

“Well, I’m sure whatever it is, she’ll be feeling better soon. She cares too much about you to let anything linger. Oh, there’s your sister. I need to talk to her.” With a kiss and a hug, his mom left, and he hoped what she said was true. The thought of last night coming between them made him feel like he had whatever illness he’d insinuated for Charlotte.

“Hey, Dad, you okay?” Josh looked at him with worry while also radiating a newfound joy and contentment.

“I could ask you the same.” He hugged his son. “Thanks for bringing Sophie.”

“Of course. She called our B & B last night and left her number. We’ve been texting all morning.” Josh lowered his voice. “I heard you met with Mom. Seeing her was hell for me, so I can’t imagine what you felt, especially after finding out about Sophie. How am I supposed to forgive her or move on after what she did?”